edmunds expert review

More rugged than a typical three-row crossover, the 2018 Ford Expedition, a traditional truck-based SUV, is a top pick if you need a vehicle that can haul families, toys or both. It seats up to eight people, has a powerful turbocharged V6 engine and can tow more than 9,000 pounds.Available in t...

by Dan Frio

Edmunds Editor

we recommend

Unless 22-inch rims or wood-grain interior trim are priorities, we recommend an Expedition XLT or Limited. An XLT with the optional 202A package offers nearly everything necessary for daily driving and long-haul comfort. Moving up to the Limited adds nice touches such as heated second-row seats...

trim levels & features

The 2018 Ford Expedition is available in three trim levels: XLT, Limited and Platinum. The XLT offers a balanced mix of comfort and utility, and plenty of available options, while Limited models introduce premium elements such as leather upholstery, driver safety aids and a Wi-Fi hotspot as stand...

comfort

In either standard or extended length, there's plenty of room to stretch out in the Expedition's three rows. The second-row seat slides and reclines and includes a center section that scoots forward to put small kids within the driver's reach. Optional second-row captain's chairs are a nice luxury.

interior

The Expedition's cabin is classy and roomy, and especially well-trimmed and attractive at the Limited and Platinum levels. New updates (dials, switches, vents) focus its modern feel. Ambient lighting, leather surfaces and seating, and a sharp tech interface give it an edge over its rivals.

utility

Folding down both rows of rear seats yields a flat load floor and a massive 108.3 cubic feet of space, more than a Suburban or Sequoia. The Expedition Max (extended length) yields 130.8 cubic feet. The third-row seat folds into floor well for increased cargo capacity.

technology

The Sync 3 infotainment system is optional on XLT and standard on Limited and Platinum. The graphics are a little plain but the system is quick to respond, has big virtual buttons and the ability to swipe through menus. For 2018, new Sync Connect adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging.

our review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.

edmunds expert review

More rugged than a typical three-row crossover, the 2018 Ford Expedition, a traditional truck-based SUV, is a top pick if you need a vehicle that can haul families, toys or both. It seats up to eight people, has a powerful turbocharged V6 engine and can tow more than 9,000 pounds.

Available in three trim levels, each with multiple options, the Expedition can be seasoned to taste and made as modern as any family sedan. Its expansive interior gets a welcome update this year with more modern-looking vents, dials and faceplates, addressing our earlier complaint about inferior trim elements in an otherwise sharp setting. The cabin matches the relative serenity of the Expedition's ride as well, which delivers a surprising amount of comfort and stability.

The Expedition's more powerful turbocharged V6 engine this year (375 horsepower, or 400 hp for the Platinum trim) also gives the SUV impressive gusto and makes it one of the quickest in the class. We tested an earlier Expedition — a four-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase model, no less — and clocked it from zero to 60 mph in 7 seconds. And that was before this year's power increase. Fuel economy estimates haven't been released yet, but last year's Expedition returned between 16 and 18 mpg combined. The new 10-speed automatic transmission should help elevate both fuel economy and acceleration.

There aren't many traditional body-on-frame, full-size SUVs that compete with the Expedition. The Chevrolet Suburban and its GMC Yukon mechanical twin are the most obvious rivals. Both have lower towing capacity and less cargo space, but they can seat nine passengers.

The Toyota Sequoia is another strong candidate with similar fundamental capabilities, but we've found the Sequoia simply isn't as well-equipped or modern as the Ford and Chevy. The Nissan Armada is a dark horse, recently updated with a new V8 engine and an impressive suite of safety features.

In the end, if you need seven- or eight-passenger seating, a lot of towing capacity and a lot of room, the 2018 Ford Expedition is a great choice.

what's new

For 2018, the Ford Expedition gets important upgrades, including increased engine horsepower and torque, a new 10-speed automatic transmission, a redesigned instrument panel, and a handful of new stand-alone options and packages. The extended-length Expedition is now called the Max.

we recommend

Unless 22-inch rims or wood-grain interior trim are priorities, we recommend an Expedition XLT or Limited. An XLT with the optional 202A package offers nearly everything necessary for daily driving and long-haul comfort. Moving up to the Limited adds nice touches such as heated second-row seats and an upgraded sound system. The Platinum takes SUV motoring to lavish heights, but we think the XLT and Limited offer the best blend of features and cost.

trim levels & features

The 2018 Ford Expedition is available in three trim levels: XLT, Limited and Platinum. The XLT offers a balanced mix of comfort and utility, and plenty of available options, while Limited models introduce premium elements such as leather upholstery, driver safety aids and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard equipment. The top-trim Platinum loads on the luxury with features including 22-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and a group of driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control and a self-parking system.

Like the XLT, the Limited offers two optional packages, 301A and 302A. The former includes the panoramic sunroof, navigation and the driver assistance features listed above, while the latter tacks on 22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, LED headlights and foglights, a 360-degree view parking camera, and an automated parking system.

Many of these features are available as stand-alone options, as are second-row leather captain's chairs (reduces seating capacity to seven) and a rear-seat entertainment system (with dual headrest-mounted displays). The new-for-2018 Special Edition package bundles the heavy-duty tow package, the self-parking system, and the LED headlights and foglights.

Finally, the Platinum trim builds on the Limited and 302A features with interior wood accents, enhanced front seats with massage function, upgraded leather for the steering wheel, leather door trim and active noise cancellation. Options mirror those of the Limited. Notably, the Platinum also offers increased horsepower (400 hp) and torque (480 lb-ft).

driving

Despite the Expedition's significant mass, the turbo V6 and independent suspension make it quicker and smoother than most of its V8, solid-axle-equipped competitors. Precise and responsive steering means it an easy driver, but its size makes it a handful in parking lots and tight spaces.

comfort

In either standard or extended length, there's plenty of room to stretch out in the Expedition's three rows. The second-row seat slides and reclines and includes a center section that scoots forward to put small kids within the driver's reach. Optional second-row captain's chairs are a nice luxury.

interior

The Expedition's cabin is classy and roomy, and especially well-trimmed and attractive at the Limited and Platinum levels. New updates (dials, switches, vents) focus its modern feel. Ambient lighting, leather surfaces and seating, and a sharp tech interface give it an edge over its rivals.

utility

Folding down both rows of rear seats yields a flat load floor and a massive 108.3 cubic feet of space, more than a Suburban or Sequoia. The Expedition Max (extended length) yields 130.8 cubic feet. The third-row seat folds into floor well for increased cargo capacity.

technology

The Sync 3 infotainment system is optional on XLT and standard on Limited and Platinum. The graphics are a little plain but the system is quick to respond, has big virtual buttons and the ability to swipe through menus. For 2018, new Sync Connect adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging.

our review process

This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.

We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.